World Gin Day takes place this Saturday (12th June) and Morrisons has everything gin lovers need to celebrate.
There are deals in store and online on a range of classic and flavoured gins – most of these last until Sunday, so customers will need to grab them before they’re gone. These include the likes of Beefeater Blood Orange Gin (£14 down from £18) and Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle Gin (£23 down from £28).
Morrisons The Best London Dry Gin (£15.50) has recently been Good Housekeeping Taste Test Approved, so is therefore the perfect choice for those after a great quality classic.
Edinburgh’s favourite adult-only alternative night out, Fore Play Crazy Golf has today unveiled an exciting new street food and cocktail menu, including a Euros-inspired Scottish serve, to kick off summer.
Fore Play Crazy Golf believes that life’s happiest moments are found in the exceptional experiences we share with others. While they won’t be showing the football, you can still join the fun and show your support for our national team by sipping on their ‘Yes sir, I can bogie’ bevvie at the end of a round of crazy golf in their clubhouse bar, or sun-soaked cocktail garden.
The patriotic blue and white showstopping serve features blood orange gin, Blue Curacao liqueur, and is topped with white cotton candy clouds. The refreshing drink features on their new cocktail menu which is now available to enjoy.
Other quirky concoctions to try include a sweet Water(melon) Hazard – made with Midori liqueur and their blend of sweet and sour syrup, Snake in the Rough with Disaronno Originale liqueur, WKD Original Vodka and orange juice, and a delicious 5 Irn-egroni with Pickering’s Original 1947 gin, Campari and the OG Irn Bru.
Meanwhile, in their kitchen, street food kings The Pitt have created a new global-inspired summer menu to tantalize your taste buds complete with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
There’s a sweet and sticky Duck Bahn Mi with locally-sourced baked milk bun, duck liver pate, crispy aromatic duck, Asian slaw, pickled vegetables, sriracha mayo, lime coriander and crushed salted peanuts.
Go meat-free with their BBQ pulled jackfruit taco with marinated and stewed young jackfruit, mango salsa, coriander and pickled cabbage, or switch it up with locally-sourced white coley, avocado guacamole, iceberg lettuce, parsley cream, lemon and sriracha mayo.
Veggie fans will love their Korean BBQ mushroom Asian noodle salad, and of course, there are house favourites on there like their Buffalo cauliflower wings with shaved spring onions, lime and chilli flakes if you like things hot.
The Edinburgh venue, which recently opened their stunning cocktail garden seating up to 70 people, is the perfect destination for having fun this summer. They’ve also got great local independents available from their bars, including craft beers and ales from Edinburgh Beer Factory.
From sipping on their playful cocktails, enjoying street food to tackling their signature crazy golf courses, you’re guaranteed to leave happy after your time on and off the green.
Craig Neilson, Chief Greenkeeper at Fore Play Crazy Golfsaid: “It’s been a tough few months and we could not have come back swinging without our incredible customers and the support of the Edinburgh community. We think it’s high time to celebrate the beginning of a much anticipated, very Scottish summer.
“We’ve gone all out with our new summer drinks, there’s something for everyone on there and it wouldn’t be complete without our homage to Scotland!”
The new cocktail menu goes live today – Friday 11th June.
Grab your closest friends and set off for a distillery tasting, while letting someone else take care of the driving, this World Gin Day (12 June). Eco tour operator, Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com), offer tours allowing guests to embark on adventurous days out to some of the UK’s best gin distilleries, in the company of an expert driver-guide.
Rabbie’s mini-coach tours give travellers the space and freedom to travel in comfort and style, while benefiting from the knowledge and expertise of a driver-guide. Forget bottomless brunch and an afternoon in the park, hit the road with Rabbie’s for a gin-tasting trip departing from London or Edinburgh. Sample itineraries include:
Bombay Sapphire Gin & Winchester
Mix in a slice of history with your gin and tonic on a relaxing day trip to the home of Bombay Sapphire Gin, Laverstoke Distillery. Setting off from central London, head straight to one of England’s most history-soaked cities, Winchester, for an exploration of its glorious cathedral, ancient mill, cute cafes, and plentiful museums.
After wandering the lanes and paths of the ancient city, head to the home of one of the world’s most popular gins – Bombay Sapphire. It’s not just the booze at Laverstoke Mill that’s brilliant – the exhibition and Victorian architecture are just as interesting and stunningly beautiful. Enjoy a tipple while learning the art of gin distilling before making your way back to London. Prices for the one-day tour start from £59 per person.
The Whiskies & Gins of East Lothian
Set off from Edinburgh and head straight to NB Distillery – a gin producer launched in 2013 with a mission to develop the ‘perfect’ gin. Infused with eight traditional botanicals, sample the 42% ABV London Dry Gin without having to worry about the drive home.
Head to North Berwick, one of the most beautiful seaside villages in East Lothian, before arriving at Glenkinchie Distillery. Nestled in a peaceful glen, this distillery languished in obscurity for over 150 years before becoming an international brand at the end of the 1980’s.
Explore the huge stills and sample the malt whiskies while hearing how this distillery became such a success before a short drive through the golden wheat and barley fields back to Edinburgh.
Prices for this one-day tour start from £37 per person.
Rabbie’s operates sustainability-focused, eco domestic travel options, ensuring that the places we love are there for future generations to enjoy and advocates ‘taking only photos and leaving only footprints’.
Rabbie’s tours provide worry-free journeys so guests can enjoy a sustainable staycation without concerns. All listed tours can be arranged privately, meaning guests can travel in just the company of their friends and family with one of Rabbie’s guides.
THE SIGNATURE COCKTAIL MENU COMBINES THE FRESH FLORAL FLAVOURS OF SUMMER WITH WHISKY IN ITS PUREST FORM
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) have teamed up with world-renowned mixologist, Jason Scott, of Bramble and Lucky Liquor Co. and The Royal Botanic Garden to create a limited-edition range of floral cocktails.
In this iconic partnership, mixologist and Edinburgh independent bar owner, Jason Scott, will be working with Dr Greg Kenicer of The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Together they have created cocktails that explore the more delicate and floral notes within the Society’s June Outturn whiskies, complementing and contrasting them through edible flowers and exciting mixers.
Jason, who is the owner of Bramble Bar, Lucky Liquor and The Last Word Saloon, is a key figure in the Scottish cocktail industry and has trained some of the best bartenders in the country.
Inspired by the flavours of summer, the signature cocktails will be created using a range of natural mixers, that include lavender, primrose flower, borage flower, fresh mint, and gorse.
Jason Scott, said: “I have long been a fan of the Society and really admire what they do.
“After visiting The Botanics and meeting up with Greg, it’s been a journey of fun and discovery to create these fantastic floral cocktails. I’m confident whisky and flower lovers alike will adore this summer cocktail menu.”
Dr Greg Kenicer of the Royal Botanic Garden, said: “I am delighted to be working with Jason and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society on this exciting and unique project.
“When it comes to enhancing and developing cocktail flavours, there is so much out there for drink makers and bartenders to explore from the botanical Kingdom. Many of these plants can be grown in a garden or even a window box, or you can find them at your local supermarkets.
“Since the Stone Age, botanicals and fresh plants have been used as compounds to enhance the flavour of drinks. It’s really exciting to see mixologists across the world continuing this ancient legacy, and also innovating in so many creative ways.”
The signature cocktails will be available at SMWS Bath Street, Queen Street and Greville Street from tomorrow (Friday 11th June).
Non-members are also welcome to attend Queen Streets’ Kaleidoscope Bar and can visit both Bath Street and Greville Street venues on Tuesday evenings, by booking online or by phone.
To celebrate the signature cocktail menu, the SMWS will also be hosting an event on the 29th of June, at their Queen Street venue.
With the aim of breaking down the perceived barriers of traditional whisky drinking, the cocktails have been designed to encourage whisky enthusiasts to delve deep into the modern use of whisky, by mixing the water of life with fresh ingredients:
Cocktail list:
Queen Street, Edinburgh – Joy & SorrellThe Joy & Sorrell features vibrant fuchsia flowers with a taste of citrus lemon and sweet sorrel syrup.
Bath Street, Glasgow – Melancholy CrushThis refreshing julep combines an elegantly fruity and herbal dram with fresh mint, lemon and Angostura Bitters.
Greville Street, London – Four SeasonsThis London inspired violet Penicillin, features a 2008 Speyside distilled whisky combined with ingredients that include fresh lavender, finished in an old fashioned glass.
Bottled – Flaming Primrose Garnished with a primrose flower, this vibrant blood-red cocktail incorporates infused gorse Campari and Sweet Vermouth with an 8-year-old single scotch oily and coastal whisky.
For more information about the Scotch Malt Whisky Society click here.
Four Edinburgh businesses are amongst the first cohort of businesses to sign up to The Academy, a new and unique training initiative to help food and drink businesses targeting growth, after the industry was one of the hardest hit by COVID-19 and Brexit.
Open to food and drink businesses of all sizes and ambition, The Academy, is a series of programmes being delivered by Scotland Food & Drink Partnership and training experts Levercliff Associates to support businesses sell themselves, build their brands, thrive and compete in highly competitive retail and foodservice markets.
The three training programmes – Seeding Growth, Accelerating Growth and Commercial Excellence – have been designed to support companies at various stages in their development.
The Academy programmes are the first major investment from the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s £5m Recovery Plan which is supported by The Scottish Government. It will run for two and a half years and aims to support over 200 Scottish businesses.
Mimi’s Bakehouse are kickstarting their growth journey by joining the Seeding Growth programme. A further three businesses including Bon Accord Soft Drinks, Scotch & Co and The Drinks Bakery are upskilling on Accelerating Growth.
Seeding Growth, which started in May and will run for twelve weeks, is aimed at companies whose primary focus is maximising their local markets and beginning to consider opportunities in the broader Scottish marketplace.
Natalie Togeher, Finance Manager at Mimi’s Bakehouse, said:“The past year has been beyond challenging but we have attempted and survived! We feel now is a great time to reflect on where the business is and how we can move forward in a sustainable way continuing to bring the best sweet treats we can to our customers.
“The Academy will help us with the direction of the business and understand planning decisions when it comes to potential new product lines.”
The Accelerating Growth course is aimed at established businesses already supplying large customers in Scotland and looking to advance in the wider UK market, and will start this month (June)and run for six months.
Andy Murray, Founder at The Drinks Bakery, said:“This last year has been a huge challenge for The Drinks Bakery as much of the hard work and momentum built up through 2019 came to an end and the large-scale contracts that we were so close to getting simply fell away.
“That said, we still saw growth through 2020, just from different channels. Our D2C channel took off through Amazon and a hastily set up webshop as people wanted to spoil themselves at home. Plus our range started to fly off the shelves in the delis and farm shops around the UK as more people shopped closer to home.
“The Drinks Bakery is now getting closer to partnering with the right sort of UK multiple retail and we’ve been exporting small amounts to Europe, UAE and North America over the last 2 years but things are about to get bigger.
“Being part of the Scotland Food & Drink Academy is exactly the support we need at this crucial stage of scaling.”
Lucy Husband, Market Development and Business Engagement Director at Scotland Food & Drink, said:“The Academy aims to bring a renewed sense of positivity and optimism for businesses when it comes to growing their brands. It is fantastic to see so many local food and drink businesses focus on their future and revisit their ambitions for growth after an extraordinarily difficult year.
“These programmes have a real focus on knowledge sharing, upskilling and innovating, and are fundamentally about helping businesses to deliver a real step-change for long term growth. Change that is rooted in the here and now in the commercial realities of the world we live in, but with an eye to the future.
“Whilst we don’t know what the future might hold, food and drink will undoubtably continue to be a key export and economic contributor for Scotland and we are thrilled to be able to support businesses grow their brand to compete in local, UK and international markets.”
Applications are now open for future cohorts of The Academy. The deadline for applications for cohort two of Seeding Growth which starts in September is Sunday 13 June, however applications will continuously remain open for future cohorts.
The first cohort of Commercial Excellence will start later this year.
Very excited to soon be welcoming our exhibitors soon to Castle Street Summer Fair, with so many skilled crafts and food makers bringing such beautiful products for shoppers to enjoy.
Open every day from Monday 7 June to Sunday 13 June – 10am to 6pm.
Gladstone’s Land launches first historical food tour
After opening to the public for the first time last month following a £1.5m restoration, the National Trust for Scotland’s Gladstone’s Land at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is introducing its first ever interactive historical food tour next week (Wednesday June 9).
Food is a strong theme throughout the 500 year old townhouse which now has a coffee shop and ice cream parlour on the ground floor, inspired by the building’s long history as a place of commerce and catering.
The ‘Tables Through Time’ tour follows the lives of three women that lived and worked at Gladstone’s Land, telling the story of changing tastes in food in Edinburgh’s Old Town and the impact of trade, class and fashion on people’s diets. As well as hearing about these people, the conservation charity will also be inviting guests to sample some of the food and drink these individuals may have consumed.
Claire Grant, the National Trust for Scotland’s Operations Manager for Edinburgh said: “It’s impossible to think about Gladstone’s Land without thinking of food. It has been at the centre of Edinburgh’s spice and coffee trade, it’s been a tavern, it’s been a home.
“From the ice cream flavours served to the spices that sit in the tables in the coffee shop, we’ve taken inspiration from the flavourful history of the building, its residents and its many uses over the centuries, to create a place people will love.”
Based on specially-commissioned research from Lindsay Middleton, PhD researcher in food history at the University of Glasgow and University of Aberdeen, the tour goes from a 17th century kitchen on the first floor, an 18th/19th century draper’s on the second floor and a 20th century boarding house on the third floor.
Visitors will get to taste the likes of bannocks sweetened with fruit, sugar or honey; parlies, a type of ginger biscuit named because they were a favourite with members of the Scottish parliament; and ‘donkey tea’, toast steeped in hot water.
After the tour, visitors can try out an ice cream flavour developed especially for the property. The elderflower and lemon curd ice cream has been created using research about the flavours and tastes that would have been associated with Gladstone’s Land over the years.
Food historian Lindsay Middleton (above) said: “Historical food is something we are becoming increasingly interested in, whether it is history week on the Great British Bake Off or reading recipes in historical cookbooks and marvelling at strange ingredients and cooking techniques. Scottish food does have a rich and varied history. In the harsh climate, Scottish people have had to be creative with food.
“On the Tables Through Time tour, we look at three women who lived in Gladstone’s Land, and how food and drink figured in their lives. Considering the different foods that would have been cooked and eaten within the property throughout its history will show how food, life, and work have always been linked.”
A brand new Krispy Kreme Hotlight Store will open its’ doors at new Edinburgh city centre development St James Quarter, when it opens for the first time on 24th June 2021.
The Hotlight Store is only the third concept store to open in Scotland alongside the Edinburgh Hermiston Gait and Braehead stores and only the second to open in Edinburgh since the first opening back in 2013.
Krispy Kreme’s renowned Hotlight gives you the opportunity to enjoy the magic of a freshly made Original Glazed doughnut Hot fresh off the line – whenever you see the ‘Hot Now’ sign lit up at a Hotlight concept store. When it’s on, it’s on!
What’s more – the Edinburgh St James Quarter store will offer six Hotlight hours a day – double the usual Hotlight hours. The store will of course also be adhering to all social distancing and lockdown restrictions.
The Krispy Kreme store will provide 25 new jobs for residents of Edinburgh, who will join 9 internal transfers.
In addition on the opening day, Krispy Kreme will have a limited number of goody bags available with exclusive Krispy Kreme merchandise as well as some exciting giveaways.
Krispy Kreme’s CEO Richard Cheshire said: “We are really excited to be opening our first Krispy Kreme store in Edinburgh City centre partnering with St James Quarter.
“We can’t wait to create more smiles and bring the magic of our iconic Hot Original Glazed doughnuts, fresh off the line, to our fans in Edinburgh.”
A dynamic new visual storytelling campaign #FoodHeroScot has been launched by Medialiciously and its partners, to create a platform for hospitality businesses in Scotland; showcasing the importance of sustainable products, services and initiatives, whilst shining a light on an industry significantly impacted by the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The non-profit visual storytelling campaign, #FoodHeroScot, is supported by STV’s £1m Green Fund which aims to champion the efforts of sustainable Scottish SME businesses by raising their profile and communicating with consumers, whilst encouraging Scots to reduce their own carbon footprint.
The campaign has attracted support from a number of business figures across Scotland including Alan Mahon, Founder of Brewgooder; Anna Lagerqvist Christopherson, Managing Director of Boda Bars; Nick Nairn, Owner of Nairns Ltd; Ayleen Gonzalez, Policy Advisor at Talk Aid; Carina Contini, Director at Victor & Carina Contini; Karis Gill, Co-Founder of Social Stories Club, Loral Quinn, CEO of Sustainably; Kelly Wright, Founder of The Refillery and Calum Haggerty, Managing Director of COCO Chocolatier.
Lee Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of Medialiciously and key founder of #FoodHeroScot said: “We are excited to be launching this innovative campaign and to be working with such great businesses and ambassadors in the hospitality sector who have shown their resilience and willingness to lead by example in driving sustainable impact.
“We want to leave a lasting impression by creating an ecosystem of businesses, partners, sector organisations and like-minded consumers that care about sustainability and the immediate impact of business and buying decisions on the planet.”
Alan Mahon, movement ambassador and founder at Brewgoodersaid, “The food and drink industry is one of Scotland’s most dynamic, purposeful and inspiring sectors.To be an ambassador for my peers and to help create a more inclusive, and more impactful industry is a genuine honour.”
Over the course of the next 12 months, the campaign will reveal ten powerful mini documentaries featuring businesses or social enterprises that will be shared on the #FoodHeroScot website and amplified through a media campaign delivered by STV, as part of their Green Fund commitment.
There will be three nomination and voting phases to encourage a fair competition process. In total, there will be 10 winning businesses and each of them will be gifted a support package worth over £25,000 of in-kind support packages including marketing and PR with the aim of shedding light towards the sustainability efforts of the winning brands.
Danielle Kelly, STV’s Director of Strategy and Sales Scotlandsaid: “#FoodHeroScot is a fantastic campaign which will showcase the innovation and creativity of Scotland’s hospitality industry in responding to the climate emergency.
“As Scotland’s Public Service Broadcaster, we are committed to raising awareness of environmental issues and helping to effect change. Our Green Fund shines a light on the great work of Scottish sustainable businesses and through this exciting new partnership we look forward to championing sustainability across the food and drink sector to help to drive Scotland’s economic recovery.”
The #FoodHeroScot campaign will also promote the positive contribution of partner food and drink brands through a directory style website, complemented by a growing collection of business leaders and global ambassadors adding their voice and influence on the campaign and providing a far-reaching legacy and change towards sustainability.
Lee Fitzpatrick concludes: “The Food and Drink industry across Scotland has been significantly affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic and it’s time to highlight their sustainable products, services and initiatives, supporting them in their recovery after such a devastating year for so many.
“We want this platform to spark important discussions and drive businesses to make a conscious change towards sustainability.”
Those interested in supporting the green recovery of the industry should visit www.foodheroscot.co.uk for more details around how to nominate businesses in the food and drink sector.
Takeaway food is often cheap, convenient and tasty, but it also tends to be high in fat, salt and sugar. Regularly consuming takeaways can have a negative impact on your heart health and your waistline. Swapping your usual takeaway for a healthier option may be a good way to cut down on fat, salt and sugar.
Heart Research UK has some tips for choosing healthier takeaways:
Find a food outlet with healthy options
Choose a food outlet that provides healthy options on their menu. Some food outlets list calories on their menus to help you to make healthier choices.
Choose wisely from the menu
Avoid deep fried foods, such fried chicken and chips. Swap large deep-pan pizzas for smaller pizzas with low fat toppings and avoid stuffed crust pizzas.
Avoid ordering too much food
Instead of ordering starters, mains, sides and desserts, why not just order a main course and finish off with some fruit and yoghurt. If you order too much, why not share it or freeze a portion.
Make a healthy ‘Fakeaway’ at home
Cook healthier versions of your favourite takeaway dishes at home using online recipes. Try swapping side dishes, such as chips, naan bread or fried rice for home-cooked brown rice or wholemeal pitta bread.
Think about what you drink
Rather than drinking sugary or alcoholic drinks with your takeaway, try drinking low calorie drinks, such as sugar-free squash or water instead. This can reduce your calorie intake as well as the cost.
